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Yesterday we drove up into the mountains again to visit the community of Las Terrazas. Quite the contrast to the day before and the "humble" neighborhoods we saw. What a beautiful place; cool breezes, green spaces, a wonderful school. It was once barren land here, the trees completely gone as first the Spanish stripped the land and then as the locals cut down what was left to make charcoal for cooking and selling. Now, 48 or so years later, it is a Unesco Heritage site. Thousands of acres of trees.

At our first stop to get a coffee and maybe some Vitamin R (rum), this energetic band was playing and dancing. They were FABULOUS. After a few songs, we met our guide, Anya and walked up to the middle school.

 The kids were mostly outside. We saw the produce truck arrive to offload veggies, grown in this community, for the school.

 We stopped at a Palador called Casa Compesino for lunch and more music and a gorgeous view.

 We toured the small community of Las Terrazas. So peaceful and beautiful.

 Then off to Soroa's orchid garden.

 I took about a billion pictures but I will spare you.  Here is a small sampling. What a fantastic place.

view of the valley

cocoa tree

It was nice to have a day to look at the beauty and not be reminded of how harsh life can be here in Cuba. That didn't last though because when we got back to Habana, we saw a horrific accident involving a poor boney horse. That's all I'll say about that except life is cheap here, even more so if you've got 4 legs.

taxi in Las Terrazas

And just one more. Know that this is?

Russian Embassy!

There is so much poverty here, one is constantly reminded of how much we have. Everywhere you go though, there is singing and dancing, smiling and laughing. Learning lots of lessons here.